Learn 이건 뭐죠? A Polite Way to Ask “What Is This?” in Korean for Everyday Conversations

Introduction

Today’s Korean phrase is one you’ll hear everywhere—whether you’re browsing a café menu, exploring markets in Seoul, or simply noticing something unfamiliar. It’s easy, polite, and perfect for beginners who want to interact naturally. Once you learn it, you’ll feel more confident asking about anything new you come across.

What This Phrase Means

이건 뭐죠?

Breakdown and Meaning

이건 뭐죠? is a polite way to ask “What is this?” in Korean. It sounds friendly and curious, making it ideal when speaking with store staff, strangers, or anyone you’re not close to.

Breakdown:

• 이건: this (short for 이것은)
• 뭐: what
• 죠: a polite ending that adds softness and gentle curiosity

Compared to the standard 뭐예요?, which is already polite, 뭐죠? feels slightly more thoughtful—almost like saying, “Hmm, what might this be?” Koreans often use softer endings like this to avoid sounding too direct, making your question feel warm and considerate.

How to Use It in Real Life

You can use 이건 뭐죠? in everyday moments such as:

• Pointing at a menu item you’ve never seen before
• Shopping and checking out a product you don’t recognize
• Asking about something a friend brings or shows you
• Trying to understand signs, labels, or instructions while traveling
• Texting or chatting when someone sends a picture and you want to ask what it is

Usage Examples

1. 
   

   이거 새로 나온 메뉴예요?
   Igeo saero na-on menyu-yeyo?
   Is this a newly released menu item?

   
   
2. 
   

   이건 어떤 맛이에요?
   Igeon eotteon mas-ieyo?
   What flavor is this?

   
   
3. 
   

   이건 어디에서 살 수 있어요?
   Igeon eodieseo sal su isseoyo?
   Where can I buy this?

   
   
4. 
   

   이건 어떻게 쓰는 거예요?
   Igeon eotteoke sseuneun geoyeyo?
   How do you use this?

   
   
5. 
   

   이건 이름이 뭐예요?
   Igeon ireumi mwoyeyo?
   What is this called?

   
   

Related Korean Expressions

• 이게 뭐예요? – What is this? (polite)
• 이건 뭔가요? – A softer, slightly more formal “What is this?”
• 저건 뭐예요? – What is that (over there)?
• 이게 뭐야? – What is this? (casual, for close friends)

Why This Phrase Helps You Learn Faster

Mastering 이건 뭐죠? gives you a powerful tool for real-world learning. When you can ask about things around you, Korean becomes less about memorizing and more about exploring. It also reflects an important cultural point: politeness matters, even in short questions. Using this phrase helps your Korean sound natural and considerate, building confidence for everyday conversations.

Closing

Now that you know how to use 이건 뭐죠?, try saying it the next time something catches your eye in a café, store, or photo. It’s a small phrase that leads to big moments of connection. Stay curious, keep exploring, and enjoy discovering Korean through daily life.

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Need useful tips for life in Korea?
These guides make daily life much easier:

• Learn “실례합니다” for Polite Korean Manners: A Simple Guide to Sound More Respectful
  
• Learn “잠시만요” Meaning with Simple Korean Examples: A Friendly Guide for Beginners
  

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